Dynamic arch stabilization and rehabilitative shoe insole device

ABSTRACT

An insole device configured to fit the profile of a human foot to promote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of the mechanoreceptors and nocioreceptors in the skin of the sole of the foot at the anatomical apex of the foot&#39;s arch system. The midfoot section of the insole device has a receptacle located central to the foot&#39;s anatomical arch apex that receives interchangeable resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts of many shapes and forms. The resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts present to the plantar aspect of the foot at a location found to be the anatomical apex of the foot&#39;s arch system.

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. provisionalapplication no. U.S. 61/457,235 filed Feb. 9, 2011, the entire contentof which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an insole for a shoe. In particular,the present invention relates to an insole device that can rehabilitatea foot by stimulating a proprioceptive reflex response in the wearer'sfoot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Professionals dealing with gait related pathologies generally acceptthat a large majority of persons will, at some time in their lives,suffer some form of gait related pain or dysfunction. It is also wellaccepted that, in the majority of cases, the mechanism underlying thepathology, injury, or dysfunction is biomechanically related to thefoot's musculoskeletal capabilities during the interface between thefoot and the ground, during the initial contact, support, and propulsionphases of the gait cycle.

It has been proposed that providing a device to create a proprioceptive,or internal, feedback stimulus to a user's foot can directly target theunderlying pathology, injury, or dysfunction. Such devices are disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659 to Burke et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807to Gardiner, and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 to Gardiner.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659, an arch rehabilitative catalyststimulates the Golgi tendon organ, which in turn, stimulates themusculoskeletal structure of the foot to rehabilitate the footstructure. The catalyst is an asymmetrically domed hump, which creates amild to strong discomfort to initially stimulate the Golgi tendon organ.

However, it has been found that the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,404,659 does not function as described, and that the majority of usersfind the device too uncomfortable to use. In particular, when subjectedto conventional vertical compressive forces of a person walking in therange of 2.5 times body weight, the device is designed to deflectbetween 40% and 60% of its maximum height, and when subject to only onetimes a person's weight, there should be no deflection. In addition, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,659, the device has an ideal apexheight of 5.25% to 7.6% of the total foot length. A device builtaccording to these dimensions and deflection capabilities results in anoverly high arch height, and can cause severe discomfort, and possibleinjury, to a wearer. It is further disclosed that the absolute,non-weight bearing height of the device should be the same regardless ofbody weight and arch height. This is clearly wrong, since differentwearers will have different comfort thresholds and arch heights.

In general, the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659 does notfunction as described. Users would find the device too hard to usesuccessfully, and rather than stimulating a proprioceptive response, thedevice would cause pain and discomfort at each step. The pain engenderedin the foot of a wearer would, in fact, cause the user to limit thepressure applied to the foot to avoid the discomfort, rather thanexercising the foot by creating an imperceptible stimulation as is itsstated goal.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807 and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457,an arch rehabilitative catalyst stimulates the Golgi tendon organ, whichin turn, stimulates the musculoskeletal structure of the foot torehabilitate the foot structure. The catalyst is an asymmetrically domedstructure having a said maximum height at it apex from 1% to 5% of thelength of the foot. The catalyst does not provide a bracing function butinstead, proprioceptive feedback. The plantar aspect of the catalyst hasa receptacle for receiving an interchangeable insert. Many formsthereof, are disclosed. The catalyst is resiliently deformable to applyan upwardly directed pressure to stimulate the Golgi tendon organ, anddeflects from between 40% and 100% of its maximum height in response tothe vertical forces of a person standing at rest.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807, the plantar aspect of thedevice is also characterized by a substantially domed shaped catalystwith a receptacle with vertical walls for removeably accommodating aresilient member with corresponding vertical walls.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457, the plantar aspect of thedevise is also characterized by a substantially domed shaped catalystwith a cavity or receptacle for removeably accommodating an insert whichacts between the catalyst and an underlying surface to control theresilient deformability of the catalyst; and that the cavity and inserthave an engagement means for resisting separation of the insert from theinsole and lateral shifting therebetween.

However, it has been found that the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,404,659, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,807, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 havea number of limitations that inhibit the devices' optimal positioningand the degree of stimulus provided to the plantar surface of the footwhile the foot is interfacing with the ground, during the initialcontact, support, and propulsion phases of the multidirectional bipedalactivity gait cycles.

In general the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,659, in U.S.Pat. No. 6,301,807, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,732,457 incorporate dome shapedcatalysts the positioning of which is fixed. This fixed positioning ofthe dome shaped catalysts restricts the stimulus to the center of thefoot's arch apex to only those times when users of the devices arestanding perfectly erect on perfectly horizontal terrain. In instanceswhen the users are engaging in multidirectional bipedal activitiesduring which their lower limbs are not perpendicular to the terrainwhether the terrain is horizontal or not, users of the devices wouldexperience stimulus to less than optimal locations around the peripheryof the center of the arch apex as the foot moves about the dome shape.This less than optimal location of the stimulus to the sole of the footresults in a less than optimal proprioceptive reflex response and a lessstable musculoskeletal arch system and ankle.

In addition, the devices disclosed do not allow for any degree ofadjustability in the relative positioning of the dome shaped catalyst toaccommodate users who have feet of identical length but have variancesin foot type. For example one person could have a longer arch andshorter toes and another have a shorter arch and longer toes, yet bothcould have the same foot length. In another example one person couldhave a wide foot and another a narrow foot, yet both could have the samefoot length as the aforementioned persons. Therefore, the devicesdisclosed would fail to provide stimulus at the optimal location for oneof the individuals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An insole device configured to fit the profile of the human foot topromote dynamic proprioceptive stimulation of the mechanoreceptors andnocioreceptors in the skin of the sole of the foot at the anatomicalapex of the foot's arch system. The anatomical apex of the foot archsystem being defined as the highest part of the mid-foot's boneystructure when viewed from the mid-foot's medial to lateral aspectbetween the calcaneous (heel) and metatarsal heads (forefoot).

The midfoot section of the insole device has a receptacle locatedcentral to the foot's anatomical arch apex that receives interchangeableresilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts ofmany shapes and forms. The resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shapedbiofeedback catalysts present to the plantar aspect of the foot at alocation found to be the anatomical apex of the foot's arch system.

The resilient ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalystsdisplay physical properties as to dynamically stimulate the body'snatural neuromuscular reflex mechanisms that effectively optimally alignand stabilize the foot's musculoskeletal arch system and ankle. Theplantar aspect of the ellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedbackcatalysts encourages the catalysts to dynamically roll and pivot abouttheir plantar apexes as they mirror the foot's movement throughmultidimensional activities. This dynamic movement ensures that theellipsoidal and spherically shaped biofeedback catalysts' dorsal aspectapexes always optimally align with anatomical apex of the foot's archsystem regardless of the angle at which the foot contacts the ground.

The net result is a more structurally sound foot capable of optimallymanaging the forces generated during all bipedal activities with themost efficient use of muscular energy and the lowest degree of injuryinducing stress. With regular use, the stimulated neuromuscular activityresults in the foot's musculoskeletal structure becoming progressivelystronger and less susceptible to injury. The insole device providesrehabilitative, preventive, and performance enhancing benefits.

The resilient ellipsoidal or spherical biofeedback catalysts displayphysical properties such that they do not provide functional bracing orsupport to the plantar aspect of the foot.

The insole device has the ability to receive and interchange theresilient ellipsoidal or spherical biofeedback catalysts and the manyforms thereof, as well as having provision to ensure proper placement ofthe catalysts relative to the user's anatomical arch apex.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated below withreference to the accompanying illustrations in which:

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a shoe insole device according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section on line A-A′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation corresponding to FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a section on line B-B′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a section on line C-C′of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a section on line D-D′ of FIG. 2

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a catalyst portion of the insole device;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view corresponding to FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of an embodiment of a catalyst according tothe present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view corresponding to FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front elevation corresponding to FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of an embodiment of a catalyst according tothe present invention having a profile somewhat different from that ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view corresponding to FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a front elevation corresponding to FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation of yet another shaped catalyst;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation corresponding to FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a front elevation of a bottom shape corresponding to FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation corresponding to FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation of a bottom portion of the catalyst of FIG.16

FIG. 21 is a side elevation corresponding to FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 illustrates a first alternate embodiment of a catalyst andassociated tether according to the present invention in which anassembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an explodedview therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, andhorizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively);

FIG. 23 illustrates a second alternate embodiment of a catalyst andassociated tether according to the present invention in which anassembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an explodedview therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, andhorizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively);

FIG. 24 illustrates a third alternate embodiment of a catalyst andassociated tether according to the present invention in which anassembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an explodedview therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, andhorizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively);

FIG. 25 illustrates a fourth alternate embodiment of a catalyst andassociated tether according to the present invention in which anassembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an explodedview therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, andhorizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively);

FIG. 26 illustrates a fifth alternate embodiment of a catalyst andassociated tether according to the present invention in which anassembled catalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an explodedview therebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, andhorizontal plane (left, centre and right respectively);

FIG. 27 illustrates a sixth alternate embodiment of a catalyst andtether according to the present invention in which an assembledcatalyst/tether is illustrated at the top with an exploded viewtherebelow shown from the saggital plane, frontal plane, and horizontalplane (left, centre and right respectively);

FIG. 28 illustrates how a catalyst according to the present inventionmoves dynamically with a foot;

FIG. 29 illustrates a variety of multi-density catalyst shapes;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view from above of the seventh alternateembodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view from the bottom corresponding to FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a side elevation corresponding to FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view corresponding to FIG. 31 but showing acatalyst present;

FIG. 34 is a section on line 34-34 of FIG. 33 but rotated left to right;

FIG. 35 is an enlargement of the encircled area identified by A in FIG.34;

FIG. 36 corresponds to FIG. 35 but shows the catalyst removed;

FIG. 37 a is a saggital view of a catalyst according to the presentinvention illustrating how it may rock fore and aft;

FIG. 37 b is a frontal view corresponding to FIG. 37 but illustratingside to side rocking at motion;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view corresponding to FIGS. 37 a and 37 b;

FIG. 39 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a catalystaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a section on line 40-40 of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a section on line 41-41 of FIG. 39;

FIG. 42 is a top plan view of another alternate embodiment of a catalystaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a section on line 43-43 of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a section on line 44-44 of FIG. 42;

FIG. 45 is yet another alternate embodiment of a catalyst according tothe present invention;

FIG. 46 is a section on line 46-46 of FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a section on line 47-47 of FIG. 45;

FIG. 48 is a top plan view of a still further alternate embodiment of acatalyst according to the present invention;

FIG. 49 is a section on line 49-49 of FIG. 48; and

FIG. 50 is a section on line 50-50 of FIG. 48.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A dynamic arch stabilization and rehabilitative insole device isgenerally illustrated by reference 30 in the Figures. The insole device30 consists of a flexible insole body having an outer portion 32defining an upwardly opening hole or passage 34 located central to thefoot's anatomical arch apex. The hole 34 receives interchangeablesubstantially ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts 40 forinterfacing with the plantar aspect of a human foot.

The catalysts 40 have an apex 42 on the dorsal surface for aligning witha target area within the foot, the target area being defined by theanatomical arch apex.

The plantar aspect (bottom) 44 of the catalysts, in concert with theflexible insole body encourage the catalysts to dynamically roll andpivot about their plantar apexes as they mirror the foot's movementthrough multidimensional activities.

The catalysts 40 are resiliently deformable to apply an upwardlydirected pressure to stimulate the nocioreceptors and mechanoreceptorsin the skin of the sole of the foot in response to downward pressure onthe catalyst by the foot. The ellipsoidal and spherically shapedcatalysts provide resilient deformability to allow the catalyst todeflect from between 10% and 100% of their maximum height in response tovertical forces of a person standing at rest being applied to thecatalyst.

The catalysts' 40 resilient deformability may be selected so as toprovide constant or variable resistance in response to vertical forcesof a person standing at rest being applied to the catalyst. For examplethe catalyst may provide a constant or progressively increased ordecreased compressive resistance relative to the degree of deformation.

The catalysts 40 may be of varied sizes and shapes relative to footlength and width and arch height.

The dorsal aspect (top) 43 of the catalysts 40 may have varied radii orapexes at different locations relative to their horizontal midline toaccommodate for a variety of foot types of the same foot length andensure the optimal location of the stimulus provided.

The dorsal aspect 43 of the catalysts 40 may have varied radii or apexesat different locations relative to their frontal plane midline (50 inFIG. 10) to accommodate for a variety of foot types of the same footlength and ensure the optimal location of the stimulus provided.

The plantar aspect 44 of the catalysts 40 may have varied radii orapexes at different locations relative to their horizontal midline (50in FIG. 10) to optimize the dynamic rolling and pivoting motion specificto requirements of different bipedal activities or pathologies.

The plantar aspect 44 of the catalysts 40 may have varied radii orapexes at different locations relative to their frontal plane midline tooptimize the dynamic rolling and pivoting motion specific torequirements of different bipedal activities or pathologies.

The catalysts' 40 resilient deformability may be achieved by a varietyof mechanical spring-like mechanisms or the use of resilientlydeformable materials or a combination thereof.

The catalysts 40 may be comprised of a variety of materials, densities,and resiliencies such as foams, rubbers, plastics, or other flexiblematerials. The catalysts may be comprised of one piece made from onematerial or comprised of a number of pieces made from differentmaterials. Catalysts 40 comprised of a number of pieces may bepreassembled as one unit or may be comprised of a number ofinterchangeable interlocking pieces that can be assembled by the user.The catalysts may be hollow and pressurized to varying degrees with gas,for example air or nitrogen.

FIG. 29 illustrates a variety of one piece designs for the catalyst 40wherein a first density/resiliency material 150 is overmoulded onto asecond density/resiliency material 152 having a higher or lowerdensity/resiliency.

The flexible insole body 30 may be comprised from a variety of materialssuch as foams, rubbers, and plastics as well as synthetic and naturalfabrics. The insole body 30 may be comprised of one piece made from onematerial or may be comprised of a number of pieces made from differentmaterials. Insole bodies made of a number of pieces may be preassembledas one unit or may be comprised of a number of interchangeableinterlocking pieces that can be assembled by the user. The catalysts mayalso incorporate a mechanical spring (spiral or leaf) comprised of metalor a metal alloy.

The flexible insole body and catalysts 40 may have a variety ofco-operating engagement means for securing interchangable ellipsoidaland spherically shaped catalysts to the insole body. The co-operatingengagement means may include detent means for resisting separation ofthe ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts from the insole bodyand may allow or restrict shifting therebetween.

The detent means may include a groove or channel or indent 70 around thelong axis circumference of the shaped catalysts. See for example FIGS.1-20, 26 and 30-38. The inner circumference of said channel or indentwould correspond to the circumference of the hole 34 in the insole body32 to receive the edge 35 of the hole 34. An insole body with a hole 34of a larger circumference relative to the circumference of the channelin the catalysts would provide a co-operating engagement means forsecuring the catalysts to the insole body 32 and allow the catalysts 40to move or adjust slightly within the insole body 32 while stillresisting separation. An insole body with a hole of an equalcircumference relative to the circumference of the channel or indent 70in catalysts 40 would provide a co-operating engagement means forsecuring the catalysts 40 to the insole body and allow for less movementor adjustment within the insole body.

Another cooperating engagement means for securing interchangeablecatalysts 40 to the insole body 32 may include flexible or elastictethers 80 that extend from the catalysts having an enlarged end attheir distal ends. The enlarged ends would fit into correspondingcavities or smaller holes in the insole body thereby securing thetether's larger ends into the insole body and securely suspending thecatalysts in the center of the hole in the insole body.

Another co-operating engagement means for securing interchangablecatalysts 40 to the insole body may include a flexible or elastic anchoror tether 80 that is affixed to the insole body 32 so as to bisect thelong axis center of the hole 34 in the insole body 32. As shown in FIG.25, the catalyst 40 would incorporate a slit 82 along the long axis fromone side through to a larger channel 84 at the center of the catalyst'slong axis. The larger channel 84 at the center of the catalyst's longaxis would correspond in size and shape to the size and shape of thetether 80. The shape of the tether 80 and corresponding channel 84 inthe catalyst 40 would be such as to permit or restrict the long axismovement of the catalyst 40 along the tether 80 while insuring that thecatalyst 40 remains secured to the tether 80. Alternatively, asillustrated in FIG. 23, the slit 82 may open into a cylindrical passage83 which received the tether 80. Longitudinal movement of the catalyst40 to the tether 80 in this case is limited by stops 85 fore and aft thecatalyst 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, another co-operating engagement means forsecuring interchangeable ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts 40to the insole body 32 may include a flexible or elastic tether 80 thatis affixed to the insole body 32 as to bisect the long axis center ofthe hole 34 in the insole body. The catalysts 40 would be comprised ofopposing top and bottom pieces with one of the pieces 90 and 92respectively having a protrusion 94 extending from the center of itsbase; the protrusion 94 being larger at its distal end. The opposingpiece 92, 90 would provide for a cavity with dimensions that wouldcorrespond to the protrusion, so that when fitted together the opposingpieces would interlock. The tether 80 would provide for a positioninghole 86 at its center, the shape of the hole 86 corresponding to thecross sectional shape of the protrusion. The catalyst 40 would besecured to the insole body 32 by inserting the protrusion 94 through thehole 86 in the tether 80 then inserting the protrusion 94 in the cavity96 of the opposing piece in such a manner as to interlock the opposingpieces 90, 92 to each other and the tether. The protrusion 94 may be aseparate component or “plug” as illustrated in FIG. 27.

Another co-operating engagement means for securing interchangeableellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts 40 incorporating a channelor indent 70 around their long axis circumference to the insole body 32,may include a flexible or elastic tether 80 that is affixed to theinsole body 32 as to bisect the long axis center of the hole 34 in theinsole body 32. The tether 80 would incorporate an elastic ring 88 atits center; the shape of the ring 88 matching the corresponding shape ofthe catalyst's long axis circumference; the hole in the ring 88 beingsmaller in circumference than the channel or indent 70 around the longaxis circumference of the ellipsoidal and spherically shaped catalysts40. When the ring 88 in the tether 80 is stretched to fit into thechannel or indent 70 in the catalyst 40, the resulting tension of thering 88 on the catalyst 40 ensures that the catalyst 40 remains securedto the tether 80.

FIGS. 30 through 36 show another embodiment of the present invention asillustrated in FIGS. 30 through 36 which differs from the abovedescribed embodiments namely in the internal configuration of thecatalyst 40. As best seen in FIGS. 33, 34 and 35, the catalyst 40 has aplurality of cavities extending inwardly from a bottom face thereof Theillustration shows a honeycomb-like configuration, however the cavitiescould have round, rectangular, oval, square, hexagonal, octagonal,polygonal, etc. cross-sectional shapes, or even a combination thereofThe cavities could all be of similar size and wall thickness or consistof varying sizes and wall thicknesses. Furthermore the side wallsdefining the cavities could be substantially parallel or alternatively,have varying degrees of draft or even be bulged. The catalyst could bemade from a variety of materials such as foams, rubbers, silicones,plastics, etc. as a one piece or multi-piece part in one or acombination of materials. For example, the top could be a clear plasticand the “honeycomb” could be a thermal plastic rubber, that is eitherovermoulded or attached with an adhesive.

By varying the materials and the above geometrical features, one is ableto vary the compression, rebound, and dynamic movement characteristicsto accommodate progressive level of resiliencies in a variety ofdifferent applications/needs (foot types, body weight, pathologies,activities).

Although the “honeycomb” arrangement is shown having a groove 70extending thereabout for mounting within the hole 30 within the insolebody, it could be adapted to a flexible or elastic tether arrangement ofthe sort described previously.

FIGS. 39 through 50 show a variety of alternate embodiments of acatalyst according to the present invention. According to the FIGS. 39through 41 embodiment, the catalyst 40 has resilient plastic like topand bottom caps 110 and 112, respectively. Housed between the top andbottom caps 110, 112, respectively, is an oval-shaped ring 114 which maybe of plastic or steel that offers resiliently. The ring 114 may or maynot be filled with a foam 116 in its core. The ring 114 with or withoutthe foam 116 acts as a mechanical spring.

In the FIGS. 42 through 44 embodiment, the catalyst 40 comprisesresilient plastic or moulded foam top and bottom caps 120 and 122overmoulded on a thermal plastic elastomer, thermal plastic rubber orfoam core 124.

In the FIGS. 45 through 47 embodiment, the catalyst 40 has resilientplastic-like or moulded foam top and bottom caps 130, 132 respectively.Interspersed therebetween is a die-cut foam ring 136 which may extendaround a foam core 138 having a different foam density than the foamring 136.

In the FIGS. 48 through 50 embodiment, the catalyst 40 has resilientplastic-like or moulded foam top and bottom caps 140, 142 respectivelyinterspersed between which is a die-cut foam ring 146 surrounding a gasor air-filled core 148.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments and examples ofthe apparatus and process of the invention have been presented toillustrate the principles of the invention and not to limit theinvention to the particular embodiments illustrated. It is intended thatthe scope of the invention be defined by all of the embodimentsencompassed within the claims and/or their equivalents.

1. An insole device comprising: a sole shaped outer portion defining anupwardly open receptacle in a midfoot section thereof; a proprioceptivereflex catalyst mountable in said receptacle; said catalyst beingpositionable to engage an anatomical apex of the sole face of the archof a wearer's foot; said catalyst having an ellipsoidal or sphericalshape, being dimensioned to move dynamically in harmony with the saidfoot's natural movement; said catalyst having a resiliency sufficient tostimulate the mechanoreceptors and nocioreceptors in the skin of saidsole at said apex but not to artificially support the said apex; saidcatalyst having a resiliency sufficient to stimulate the body's naturalneuromuscular proprioceptive protective arch reflex response; andcooperating engagement means extending between said outer portion andsaid catalyst for connecting said catalyst to said outer portion tolocate said catalyst in said receptacle while allowing said movement ofsaid catalyst relative to said outer portion.
 2. The insole device ofclaim 1 wherein: said receptacle is a passage through said outerportion.
 3. The insole device of claim 2 wherein: said cooperatingengagement means is a groove extending about said passage for receivingan edge of said passage
 4. The insole device of claim 1 wherein: saidcooperating engagement means is at least one resilient member secured tosaid catalyst and said outer portion.
 5. The insole device as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said catalyst is provided with a plurality of cavitiesextending upwardly from a lower surface thereof, said cavities beingdefined by walls which also separate said cavities; the dimensions ofsaid walls and said cavities being selected to provide desired resilientproperties.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The insole device of claim 2 wherein: saidcooperating engagement means is at least one resilient member secured tosaid catalyst and said outer portion.
 8. The insole device as claimed inclaim 2 wherein said catalyst is provided with a plurality of cavitiesextending upwardly from a lower surface thereof, said cavities beingdefined by walls which also separate said cavities; the dimensions ofsaid walls and said cavities being selected to provide desired resilientproperties.
 9. The insole device as claimed in claim 3 wherein saidcatalyst is provided with a plurality of cavities extending upwardlyfrom a lower surface thereof, said cavities being defined by walls whichalso separate said cavities; the dimensions of said walls and saidcavities being selected to provide desired resilient properties.
 10. Theinsole device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said catalyst is providedwith a plurality of cavities extending upwardly from a lower surfacethereof, said cavities being defined by walls which also separate saidcavities; the dimensions of said walls and said cavities being selectedto provide desired resilient properties.
 11. The insole device asclaimed in claim 7 wherein said catalyst is provided with a plurality ofcavities extending upwardly from a lower surface thereof, said cavitiesbeing defined by walls which also separate said cavities; the dimensionsof said walls and said cavities being selected to provide desiredresilient properties.